EXCLUSIVE: New-look York City Knights to revert to York RL's old amber and black colours

EXCLUSIVE: New-look York City Knights to revert to York RL's old amber and black colours

YORK City Knights are marking their new start under new ownership by reverting back to York RL's old traditional colours.

The Press can today reveal that the Knights' home and away strips for 2017 will comprise the old amber and black as worn by the Minster city's professional rugby league club up until the closure of the then York Wasps in 2002.

Jon Flatman, who heads up the consortium that took over the Knights last month, says they wanted to acknowledge the long history of a club which first formed way back in 1868 as York Football Club.

The club badge and much of their branding will remain the same, retaining the blue and white colours which were introduced when the Knights were born out of the ashes of the Wasps.

The main shirt sponsor and "premier partner" for the club for 2017 has also now been unveiled as DCL Luxury Vehicle Hire.

Flatman said of the new colours: "It's a nod to history and the fact York has been a prominent city for rugby league for many, many years.

"We hope that will continue for many years into the future."

The Knights are to show off the new strips at tonight's fans' forum, which takes place at Huntington Sports Club, starting at 7.30pm.

Flatman will be in attendance along with head coach James Ford and the playing squad following their training session.

As well as previewing the new kit and merchandise, Flatman will discuss the new owners' vision for the club, the latest on plans to play at Bootham Crescent and updates on pre-season friendlies and season tickets.

The 2017 home jersey is largely amber with a thick black traditional rugby league 'V', while the away jersey will be predominantly white with a black and amber 'V'.

Flatman added: "With next year being the 150th anniversary of York rugby league club, we felt it was the right time to revert to the traditional, historic colours.

"We're respectful of the past and at the same time looking forward to the future of rugby league in the city of York and the county of North Yorkshire."

The logo of Featherstone-based luxury car and van hire firm DCL will be emblazoned across the front of the shirts.

A DCL statement said: "Our business is Yorkshire-based and, with roots firmly in and from York, this partnership will not only build our brand but support sport in the region.

"We are excited by the energy, enthusiasm and values of the new ownership which align with the ethos of our business.

"Our vehicles are available for business and personal hire and would encourage everybody to support us as we support the club into 2017 and beyond."

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